Collecting Data

COLLECTING DATATools of the Trade

There are a number of ways that information about your woodlot can be collected.

Valuable insight can be gained by looking at maps or aerial photos, while other data must be gathered by walking through the property. This activity is called cruising.

A woodlot cruise is not complicated, but by collecting important information about your forest stands, you can gain insight into how your woodlot can be managed.

On a comprehensive cruise, sample measurements of the following are usually taken in each stand: Tree species and composition Age Height Diameter

The general growth characteristics and ground conditions of each stand is also noted.

Some Tools and Instruments AERIAL PHOTOS

Aerial photos can provide a unique perspective of your woodlot. The location of roads, swamps, cleared areas and other features can be readily identified on aerial photos.

CLINOMETER Also called a Suunto or hypsometer, this tool is

used to measure tree height. Knowing tree height is essential in determining the volume of a tree or forest stand, and in calculating the land’s capability for growing trees. A clinometer works by measuring the angle between the tip and base of a tree when the user is at a fixed distance from the tree.

INCREMENT BORER By inserting one end of this hollow tube into a tree

and extracting the wooden core, the user can count the cross-sections of the rings and determine the age of a tree. The tree’s rate of growth can also be calculated, and the general health of the tree can be assessed by noting the presence or absence of rot in the core.

DIAMETER TAPE Similar in appearance to a normal measuring

tape, a diameter tape is marked in gradations that, when wrapped around a tree, measures a tree’s diameter. Obtaining tree diameter is important in determining tree volume and for marketing purposes such as measuring saw logs.

GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNIT By collecting data on a GPS, the user can easily

keep track of his or her location, and can collect the coordinates of individual features such as boundary corners, vernal pools, woodlot roads and trails and other points of interest.

WEDGE PRISM Constructed of beveled glass, a wedge prism is

used to determine the basal area of a stand of trees. The basal area, in turn, can be used to calculate stand volume. Basal area can also be measured with an angle gauge or relascope.

Other items Other tools are used by forest

professionals for specialized applications.

Most forest professionals use a map and compass when first visiting a woodlot, and the ability to use these tools remains vital.

WOODLOT OWNER’S Plan A wood lot plan should have the

following features1. A woodlot owner’s goals and objectives

should be outlined at the beginning of a plan, and the remainder of the plan should make reference to them.

2. Woodlot map or Aerial Photo3. Woodlot and Stand Descriptions

3.Woodlot and Stand Descriptions The description of each stand on your woodlot

should note the following elements: Tree species Age Height Diameter Growth rate Density and distribution Wood volume estimate Wood quality

A stand description may also contain notes on wildlife habitat and the presence of any significant features such as relict trees and surface boulders.

4.Stand treatment recommendations